Stating the obvious

As you watch the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs unfold, please take note of this fact.

Even though the Rampage are out of the post-season yet again, many of the faces you see on your television set once skated on San Antonio ice.

Kyle Turris scored one of the two Phoenix goals on his first Stanley Cup shift. Teammates Mikkel Boedker played over seven mintues…Andrew Ebbett over six…David Schlemko 15:34 and Keith “wish I could be in the NHL while I play here in San Antonio” Yandle logged the most ice time Wednesday night, 26:41.

All former Rampage players.

But the list of Stanley Cup skaters who plied their trade here doesn’t stop on just the home team all-time team roster.

Jiri Hudler killed the Rampage when he skated for the Grand Rapids Griffins and he got the Red Wings fourth goal. Jimmy Howard was usually brilliant in net for the Griffins–Justin Abdelkader, Johnathan Ericsson, and Niklas Kronwall among others, all played on AT&T Center ice.

The list goes on and on and that usually escapes most San Antonio sport fans.

The Iguanas were cute and fun and came over for lunch.

The Dragons introduced us to a tape-to-tape pass.

But the Rampage, playoffs or no playoffs, are the best of the best when it comes to getting to see players who played here playing on television right now.

And that’s kinda cool.

NHL Predictions

Here comes the kiss of death, but I really feel it in my bones that this is the Bruins year.

Tim Thomas has been unconscious this season.

The loss to Philly last year is like bile in the throat.

Just can’t see any overwhelming favorite in the East, so the Bruins can get it done.

They will have no excuses.

They have a better goaltender.

They have a better blueline.

The Bruins can score when healthy.

But they open with Montreal and that’s always tricky.

Bruins and Sharks in the Finals! Bruins in 6.

Calder Cup?

Who knows? One thing about the minor leagues is you never know when players will be motivated to keep playing. When call ups will be an issue. Matchups are critical.

One of the reasons I like the Oklahoma City Barons as a darkhorse is they don’t have to worry about the Oilers calling any players to Edmonton. They’ve been out of the playoffs since the 20th century.

And the Barons have Bryan Helmer and Alexandre Giroux, who have hoisted Calder the last two seasons with Hershey. The big question is whether their goaltending will be reliable under this microscope. It didn’t seem to bother the Texas Stars last season, did it?

They have Hamilton first. If they get by the Bulldogs, watch out.

Realistically, I’m thinking Milwaukee should have a good run. Mark Dekanich, if he’s 100 percent, can carry that team. Coach Lane Lambert has them playing above and beyond after dealing with call-ups and injuries the last three months. Nashville may send out a mayday, and that could sink the Admirals, since the Predators are still playing in the show.

Houston has been strong since January. Jon DiSalvatore and Patrick O’Sullivan have been terrific for each other, scoring at will. Can Matt Hackett hack the pressure in goal? They were incredibly hot against Texas this season, winning nine of 12 games.

Sooo, if OKC emerges from the West, I won’t be surprised. But I’m picking the Admirals and Penguins to meet for the Cup. I actually don’t have a clue who to pick in the East, since none of those teams other than Syracuse bother to come out to these parts of the league. But the Pens have had a great season.

If it comes down to those teams, I’ll get back with you on a finals call.

Fresher hockey on the way

One thing that came down the pike today — no more four in five night stretches in the AHL. League president Dave Andrews announced the league will go to a 76-game schedule next year, and those absolutely insane eight games in 12 night schedules will be a thing of the past. Kudos.

Even though most home teams racked up easy wins when visitors came in on a stretch of four in less than five, since many of the Sunday games began in the afternoon, the price was high. Travel, especially in the jet-happy West, made transportation carriers happy, but fans were treated to games played in slow motion by exhausted players, who were opened up to injury and apathetic performances.

More energy. Less injuries. A good plan!

Book 10 more tickets to Hockeytown!

The Coyotes brought 10 Rampage players to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, even though most if not all of them will have more access to the ice in the team luxury box than on the rink. Check out the list on SARampage.com.